Cover support assembly

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for suspending and supporting a cover over a medical stretcher. The apparatus comprises an assembly which includes: a horizontal cross member which has two ends; a first vertical leg which has two ends, with one end pivotally, and releasably, connected to one end of the horizontal bar, and with the other end of the first vertical leg releasably engaged to one of the two parallel poles of the stretcher; a second vertical leg which has two ends, with one end pivotally, and releasably, connected to the other end of the horizontal bar, and with the other end of the second vertical leg releasably engaged to the other of the two parallel poles of the stretcher. The assembly, when used with the stretcher, forms an inverted &#39;&#39;&#39;&#39;U&#39;&#39;&#39;&#39; in a transverse position over the stretcher, and thereby suspends and supports a cover over the stretcher and the patient thereon. A plurality of these assemblies, when used with suitable spaces, such as connecting rods, may be used to form an integrated unit of the desired length to support and suspend a cover in the shape of an inhalation therapy-type canopy over a stretcher and over a patient.

United States Patent [191 Hunt et al.

[ COVER SUPPORT ASSEMBLY [76] Inventors: Maureen A. Hunt, 4919 Pecan,Apt.

241, San Antonio, Tex. 78222; Martin J. Criel, 104 Chaney St., SanAntonio, Tex. 78235 221 Filed: July 13, 197 2 21 Appl. No; 271,335

[52] US. Cl....

Primary Examiner-Casmir A. Nunberg [57] ABSTRACT An apparatus forsuspending and supporting a cover [111 3,798,685 Mar. 26, 1974 over amedical stretcher. The apparatus comprises an assembly which includes: ahorizontal cross member which has two ends; a first vertical leg whichhas two ends, with one end pivotally, and releasably, connected to oneend of the horizontal bar, and with the other end of the first verticalleg 'releasably engaged to one of the two parallel poles of thestretcher; a second vertical leg which has two ends, with one endpivotally, and releasably, connected to the other end of the horizontalbar, and with the other end of the second vertical leg releasablyengaged to the other of the two parallel poles of the stretcher. Theassembly, when used with the stretcher, forms an inverted U in atransverse position over the stretcher, and thereby suspends andsupports a cover over the stretcher and the patient thereon. A pluralityof these assemblies, when used with suitable spaces, such as connectingrods, may be used to form an integrated unit of the desired length tosupport and suspend a cover in the shape of an inhalation therapy-typecanopy over a stretcher and over a patient.

12 Claims, 4 Drawing Figures PATENTEU IIAR 26 I974 SHEET 1 [IF 2 COVERSUPPORT ASSEMBLY BACKGROUND OF *THE INVENTION This invention relates toa support for a cover and, more particularly, to a cover supportassembly, and to a cover support assembly system, adapted in preferredembodiments for use with a conventional medical stretcher.

As a preliminary matter, it is to be noted and to be remembered that theword cover, as used heretofore and hereinafter, is intended to bebroadly used and to mean anything which is, or can be, used to cover theoccupier of a reclining apparatus, such as a stretcher or litter, a cot,or a bed. A cover may constitute or include, by way of illustration,linens (such as bed sheets), blankets, and even, for example, a cover inthe shape of an inhalation therapy-type canopy.

Cover supports, and cover support assemblies, are not per se novel. Thestate-of-the-art has progressed slowly, with some notable advancementsbeing made during wars and other armed conflicts with regard toadaptations for specialized uses. Known cover supports, and coversupport assemblies, in specific embodiments for a particular adaptationhave, generally speaking, served the very specialized purpose intended.

However, it is fair and accurate to say that there is no cover support,or cover support assembly, which is multi-purpose. The prior art, andour analysis and experience, clearly establish that the cover support,or cover support assembly, which is urgently needed and which is notpresently available, should be multipurpose, as previsouly stated, andin addition should be articulated, compact, collapsible (i.e., foldable)and expandable (i.e., unfoldable), lightweight, portable, and, ofcourse, inexpensive to manufacture, simple, and reliable.

We have invented such a cover support, or such a cover support assembly,and in addition a cover support assembly system. Thereby, we haveachieved a goal long sought in the art; we have fulfilled a currenturgent need; and, most importantly, we have, as a result, significantly.advanced the state-of-the-art.

As a matter of convenience, and in the interest of brevity, ourinvention, and the fundamental features thereof, will be shown anddescribed with regard to preferred embodiments, as adapted for use witha medical stretcher. The need for such adaptions of our invention in themedical art is particularly urgent. It is emphasized, however, that suchadaptations are solely by way of illustration, and are not-in any mannerby reason of any limitation. As a related matter, it is to be rememberedthat the conventional medical stretcher comprises a bed" portion,usually made of canvas and referred to as the canvas, and a supportingframe which includes two identical poles, also sometimes referred to asbars or shafts," in parallel spaced relationship to each other. As iswell known, medical stretchers, or stretchers" as they are more oftenreferred to, are usually used to carry or to transport a sick, injured,or otherwise disabled person.

In addition to what has already been said hereinabove with regard to thecover support art, it is important to known, and to state herein, thatit is usual, and most often necessary, to cover the sick, injured, orotherwise disabled person who is being carried or transported on amedical stretcher. The covering of the patient may be to protect, toprovide warmth, or at least to provide privacy to the patient.Unfortunately, many patients, such as those having sever burns,amputations, and wounds, frequently cannot tolerate the weight, thetension, or the friction caused by the cover, even as light as a bedsheet, when the cover is in physical contact with the afflicted portionsof the patients body,

Therefore, there has been, and there still is, a continuing, genuine andcritical need for a cover support for a medical stretcher, wherein thecover used may be suspended and supported over the patients body, i.e.,the cover does not physically touch the afflicted portions of thepatientss body. In addition, there is a pressing need for a support fora canopy-type cover which must be used with a medical stretcher toprovide necessary inhalation therapy, such as oxygen and humidification,to a patient on the medical stretcher.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION This invention pertains to a cover supportassembly, and to a cover support assembly system, for use with areclining apparatus, such as a medical stretcher.

Therefore, the principal object of this invention is to provide anassembly and an assembly system which will support and suspend differenttypes of covers, such as linen bed sheet or a canopy, over the occupierof different types-of reclining apparatus, such as a stretcher or alitter, a cot, a bed, or the like, and therefore is multipurpose.

Other equally important objects are that the cover support assembly andthe cover support assembly be articulated, compact, collapsible (i.e.,foldable) and expandable (i.e., unfoldable), lightweight, portable, and,of course, be inexpensive to manu-facture, simple, and reliable.

These objects, and related objects, of this invention will becomereadily apparent after a consideration of the description of ourinvention and reference to the drawings. I

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a side elevation view of aconventional medical stretcher with a patient reclining thereon, andwith a preferred embodiment of our invention in use with the stretcherand with said embodiment suspending and supporting a cover over thepatient;

FIG. 2 is an exploded view, in perspective, of the preferred embodimentof our invention shown in FIG. 1',

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of anotherpreferred embodiment of ourinvention in use with a conventional medical stretcher and in use withan inhalation therapy canopy-type cover; and

FIG. 4 is a side elevation view of a conventional medical stretcher,such as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, with a patient reclining thereon, andwith our second preferred embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, in use withthe stretcher and suspending and supporting a cover over the patient.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS With reference to FIG. 1,therein is shown, in a side elevation view, a conventional medicalstretcher 10 with a patient 20 reclining thereon. Also shown is apreferred embodiment 30 of our invention which is in use with thestretcher and which is suspending and supporting a cover 70 (Le, a linenbed sheet) over the patient 20 in a transverse position over thestretcher l and over the patient 20. The conventional medical stretcher10, as shown in FIG. 1, includes a bed portion 11 (i.e., the canvas) anda supporting frame which, in turn, includes two identical carrying sidepoles (also re ferred to as bars or shafts"), a first carrying side pole12 and a second carrying side pole 13, which are in parallel spacedrelationship to each other and which are, essentially, cylindrical.

Preferred embodiment 30, as shown in FIG. 1, includes, but is notlimited to: a horizontal cross member 31, having a first end 32 and asecond end 33; a first vertical leg 41, having a first end 42 and asecond end 43, with first end 42 of first vertical leg 41 pivotally, andreleasably, connected to first end 32 of horizontal crossmember 31; asecond vertical leg 51, having a first end 52 and a second end (notshown in FIG. 1), with first end 52 of second vertical leg 51 pivotally,and releasably connected to second end 32 of horizontal cross member 31;a first clasp, or the like, 61 attached to second end 43 of firstvertical leg 41, with clasp 61 releasably engaging first vertical leg 41to first carrying side pole 12 by snugly fitting on first carrying sidepole 12 and, thereby, also maintaining first vertical leg 41 in anupright-like position; and a second clasp, or the like (not shown inFIG. 1) identical to clasp 61 attached to second end (not shown inFIG. 1) of second vertical leg 51, with said second clasp releasablyengaging second vertical leg 51 to second carrying side pole 13 bysnugly fitting on second carrying side pole 13 and, thereby, alsomaintaining second vertical leg 51 in an uprightlikeposition. As can beeasily seen, when our preferred embodiment 30 is used on a medicalstretcher, such as 10, our preferred embodiment 30 forms, substantially,an inverted "U" in a transverse position over the stretcher and over thepatient 20, in addition to suspending and supporting the cover used,such as linen bed sheet 70, over the stretcher 10 and the patient 20.

With reference to FIG. 2, therein is shown, in an exploded view and inperspective, our preferred embodiment'30, which was shown in use inFIG. 1. Our preferred embodiment 30, comprises: horizontal cross member31, with first and 32 and second end 33, and with front surfaces 34 andwith rear surface 35; first vertical leg 41, with first end 42 andsecond end 43; first means for pivotally, and releasably, connectingsaid first end 42 of first vertical leg 41 to said first end 32 of saidhorizontal cross member 31; second vertical leg 51 with first end 52 andsecond end 53; second means for pivotally, and releasably, connectingsaid first end 52 of said second vertical leg 51 to said second end 33of said horizontal cross member; third means for releasably engagingsaid second end 43 of said first vertical leg 41 to the first carryingside pole (12, FIG. 1') of the medical stretcher (10, FIG. 1); and,fourth means for releasably engaging said second end 53 of said secondvertical leg 51 to the second carrying side pole (13, FIG. 1) of themedical stretcher (10, FIG. 1).

Horizontal cross member 31, and first vertical leg 41, and secondvertical leg 51, are, but need not be, preferably of stainless steeltubing.

Still with reference to FIG. 2, the said first means for pivotally, andreleasably, connecting said first end 41 of first vertical leg 41 tosaid first end 32 of said horizontal cross member 31, may include: afirst circular disk 36 fixedly attached to the horizontal cross member31 at the first end 32 thereof, with the first circular disk 36 having ageometric center with an opening 36A thereat and therethrough, and withfirst disk 36 also having a suitably positioned arcuate slot 368therethrough, and with first disk 36 further having a front surface 36Cand a rear surface 36D; a third circular disk 44 fixedly attached to thefirst vertical leg 41 at the first end 42 thereof, and with disk 44being of the same size as disk 36, and with disk 44 having a geometriccenter with an opening 44A thereat and therethrough of the same size ascenter opening 36A of disk 36, and with disk 44 also having a frontsurface 448 and a rear surface 44C, with a pin 44D fixedly attached onand protruding from rear surface 44C, and with pin 44D projectingrearwardly (i.e., away from the reader) from rear surface 44C, and withrear surface 44C abutting with and in registration with front surface36C of first disk 36, and with pin 44D fitting into and movable withinarcuate slot 368 of first disk 36; a first machine screw 45 having ahead 45A, a body portion 458, and end 45C, with body portion 45B and end45C passing into and through center opening 44A of third disk 44 and thecenter opening 36A of first disk 36; a first nut 45D removably fitted onthe end 45C and the body portion 458 of first machine screw 45; and, afirst washer 45E interposed between the first nut 45D and the rearsurface 36D of first disk 36, and with the washer 45E on body portion453 of first machine screw 45.

As a matter of preference, pin 44D is made of stainless steel and has aPhillips" pan head 45A, first nut 45D is hexagonal and of stainlesssteel, and first washer 45E is of the bowed spring, corrosion resistenttype.

Also, it is to be noted, that first circular disk 36 is also fixedlyattached to the rear surface 35 of horizontal cross member 31, as amatter of preference, although it (ie, first circular disk 36) could befixedly attached to the front surface 34 of horizontal cross member 31.

Again with reference to FIG. 2, the said second means for pivotally, andreleasably, connecting said first end 52 of said second vertical leg 51to said second end 33 of said horizontal cross member 31 is similar tosaid first means hereinbefore described and may include: a secondcircular disk 37 fixedly attached to the horizontal cross member 31 atthe second end 33 thereof, with the second circular disk 37 having ageometric center and an opening 37A thereat and therethrough, and withsecond disk 37 also having a suitably positioned arcuate slot 378therethrough, and with second disk 37 further having a front surface 37Cand a rear surface 37D; a fourth circular disk 46 fixedly attached tothe second vertical leg 51 at the first end 52 thereof, with disk 46being of the same size as disk 37, and with disk 46 having a geometriccenter with an opening 46A thereat and therethrough of the same size asthe center opening 37A of disk 37, and with disk 46 also having a frontsurface 468 and a rear surface 46C with a pin 46D fixedly attached onand protruding from the front surface 468 of disk 46, and with pin 46Dprojecting forwardly (i.e., toward the reader) from the front surface468 of disk 46, and with front surface 468 abutting with and inregistration with rear surface 37D of disk 37, and with pin 46D fittinginto and movable within arcuate slot 378 of disk 37; a second machinescrew 47 having a head 47A, a body portion 478, and end 47C, with bodyportion 478 and end 47C passing into and through center opening 37D ofdisk 37 and center opening 46A of disk 46; a second nut 47D removablyfitted on the end 47C and body portion 473 of second machine screw 47;and a second washer 47E interposed between the second nut 47D and therear surface 46C of disk 46, and with the washer 47E on body portion 478of second machine screw 46.

As a matter of preference, pin 46D is made of stainless steel, secondmachine screw 47 is of stainless steel and has a Phillips pan head 47A,second nut 47D is hexagonal and is of stainless steel, and second washer47E is of the bowed spring, corrosion resistant type.

Also, it is to be further noted, that second circular disk 37 is alsofixedly attached to the front surface 34 of horizontal cross member 31,as a matter of preference, although it (i.e., second circular disk 37)could be fixedly attached to the rear surface 35 of horizontal crossmember 31.

Still with reference to FIG. 2, the said third means for releasablyengaging said second end 43 of said first vertical leg 41 to the firstcarrying side pole (12, FIG.

1) of the medical stretcher 10, FIG. 1), may include a first clasp, suchas 61, which is so dimensioned and which is so configurated (e.g.,crescent shaped) that is snugly fits on and engages the first carryingside pole (12, FIG. 1) of the medical stretcher (10, FIG. 1), andadditionally said clasp 61 maintains first vertical leg 41 in anupright-light position. Of course, clasp 61 may be disengaged from thefirst carrying side pole (12, FIG. 1) merely by snapping off the clasp61 from the carrying side pole. First clasp 61 is, preferably, made ofstainless steel.

Again with reference to FIG. 2, the said fourth means for releasablyengaging said second end 53 of said second vertical leg 51 to the secondcarrying side pole (13, FIG. 1) of the medical stretcher (10, FIG. 1),is similar to said third means hereinbefore described and may include asecond clasp, such as 62, which is so dimensioned and which is soconfigurated (e.g., crescent shaped) that it snugly fits on and engagesthe second carrying side pole (13, FIG. 1) of the medical stretcher (10,FIG. 1), and additionally said clasp 62 maintains second vertical leg 51in an upright-like position. Clasp 62 may be disengaged from the secondcarrying side pole (13, FIG. 1) merely by snapping off the clasp. 62from the carrying side pole. Second clasp 62 is, preferably, made ofstainless steel.

With reference to FIG. 3, therein is shown, in a prospective view,another preferred embodiment 100 of our invention in use with aconventional medical stretcher (also shown in FIG. 1) and in use with aninhalation therapy canopy-type cover 200. Our preferred embodiment 100is a cover support assembly system for use with, and for releasableengagement with, a medical stretcher (10, FIGS. 1 and 3) such aspreviously described herein and which includes a bed portion 11. (FIGS.1 and 3) and a supporting frame which, in turn, includes two identicalcarrying side poles, a first pole 12 (FIGS. 1 and 3) and a second pole13 (FIG. 1 and 3), which are in parallel spaced relationship and whichare, essentially, cylindrical in shape. Our preferred embodiment 100 isstructured and configurated for use ideally with a canopy-type cover,such as inhalation therapy canopy 200, and it l00suspends and supportscover 200 over the medical stretcher 10 (FIGS. 1 and 3), and over apatient (not shown) on the stretcher, in a transverse position over thestretcher and over the patient thereon.

Still with reference to FIG. 3, our cover support assembly system 100includes: a plurality of identical cover support assemblies such as 30(FIGS. 1, 2 and 3) and 130; and, means for releasably connecting theplurality of identical cover support assemblies, such as 30 and 130, inparallel spaced relationship, whereby an integrated (or combined orconnected) unit of the desired length is formed, substantially in theshape of an inverted and elongated U, or an inverted U shapedtunnel-like frame, in a transverse position over the medical stretcher10 (FIGS. 1 and 3) and, of course, over the patient (not shown) on thestretcher; and the cover, such as canopy-type 200, is suspended and issupported over the stretcher (and over the patient).

Again with reference to FIG. 3, each of the identical cover supportassemblies, such as 30 (FIGS. 1, 2 and 3) and 130, comprises thecomponents already shown and described with regard to the structure ofour preferred embodiment 30 (FIGS. 1 and 2). Therefore, no usefulpurpose would be served by reiterating those components and theirinterconnection and their interaction. Accordingly, no such descriptionis given here, and the reader is respectfully referred back to ourdescription of preferred embodiment 30. However, it is believedappropriate, for illustrative purposes to state that clasp 161 isidentical to clasp 61 (FIGS. 1 and 3), that vertical leg 141 isidentical to vertical leg 41 (FIGS. 1 and 3), that horizontal crossmember 131 is identical to horizontal cross member 31 (FIGS. 1 and 3),that vertical leg 151 is identical to vertical leg 51 (FIGS. 1 and 3),and that clasp 162 is identical to clasp 62 (FIGS. 1 and 3).

Further with reference to FIG. 3, the said means for releasablyconnecting a plurality of said identical cover support assemblies, suchas 30 and 130, in parallel spaced relationship, may include a pluralityof spacers, such as 310 and 320, each of which is, as a matter ofconvenience and preference, but need not be, a (or in the form of a)connecting rod, as shown in FIG. 3. The releasable connecting rods 310and 320 are, of course, of equal length.

With reference to FIG. 4, therein is shown, a side elevation view of aconventional medical stretcher 10, such as already shown in anddescribed with reference to FIGS. 1 and 3, with a patient 20 recliningthereon. Also shown is our second preferred embodiment 100 of ourinvention, previously shown in and described with reference to FIG. 3,which in use with the stretcher and which is suspending and supporting acover (i.e., the linen bed sheet previously shown in FIG. 1) over thepatient 20 in a transverse position over the stretcher l0 and over thepatient 20 on the stretcher.

FIG. 4 shows another adaptation of our second preferred embodiment 100.A repetition of a description of embodiment is not believed necessary,and the use of preferred embodiment 100 is as explained above and is anillustrated.

MODE OF OPERATION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The mode of operation ofeach of our preferred embodiments 30 (FIGS. 1 and 2) and 100 (FIGS. 3and 4), may be easily and rapidly ascertained by a person of ordinaryskill in the art from the hereinabove descriptions of the preferredembodiments, coupled with an examination of our FlGS. 1-4, herein. Adetailed description of said operation is, therefore, not believednecessary. It is sufficient to state that the particular embodiment issnapped onto the poles of the stretcher for use; that the cover is thendrapped over and suspended on the horizontal cross member(s); that, bythat step, the cover supports the cover over the stretcher and thepatient thereon. The procedure is reversed to discontinue the use of theparticular embodiment, including unsnapping the clasps from theirrespective stretcher poles and, if desired, folding the particularembodiment.

it is clearly evident that our invention, and the two preferredembodiments shown and described herein, attains all of the objectsdesired, as set forth in the sum mary of the invention. Therefore, we donot believe that it is necessary again to set forth those objects, andother objects related thereto, and to show how each and every object,and others, specifically are achieved by our invention..However, webelieve it important to state that, in addition to the basic structuralnovelty of our invention, and of the two preferred embodiments shown anddescribed herein, our invention also attains new, useful, and unobviousresults. For example, our invention is multi-purpose, both as to type ofcover usable therewith and as to type of reclining apparatus with whichit may be used. This multi-purpose feature is clearly unlike any priorart device or apparatus. While there have been shown and described thefundamental features of our invention, as applied to two preferredembodiments and as adapted for a particular use and purpose, it is to beunderstood that various substitutions, omissions, additions, andadaptations can be made by those of ordinary skill in the art, withoutdeparting from the spirit of our invention. For example: the clasps,such as 61 and 62, may be pivotally, and releasably, mounted to theirrespective vertical legs, such as 41 and 51; and, the vertical legs,such as 41 and 51, may be hingedly, rather than pivotally, connected tohorizontal cross member 31. Additionally, our invention can be used, orcan be adapted for use, with any type of reclining apparatus, other thana medical stretcher, such as a bed.

What is claimed is:

l. A cover support assembly adapted for use with, and for releasableengagement with, a medical stretcher, wherein the stretcher includes afirst carrying side pole and a second carrying side pole which are inparallel spaced relationship and which are essentailly cylindrical inshape, and wherein said cover support assembly is for suspending andsupporting a cover over the medical stretcher, comprising:

a. a horizontal cross member having a first and a second end, and withsaid horizontal cross member having a front and a rear surface;

b. a first vertical leg having a first and a second end;

c. a first means for pivotally, and releasably, connecting said firstend of said first vertical leg to said first end of said horizontalcross member;

d. a second vertical leg having a first and a second end;

e. a second means for pivotally, and releasably, connecting said firstend of said second vertical leg to said second end of said horizontalcross member;

f. a third means for releasably engaging said second end of said firstvertical leg to the first carrying side pole of the medical stretcher;

g. and, a fourth means for releasably engaging said second end of saidsecond vertical leg to the second carrying side pole of the medicalstretcher; whereby said cover support assembly forms, substantially, aninverted U" in a transverse position over the medical stretcher;

and, whereby the cover is thereby suspended and supported over themedical stretcher.

2. A cover support assembly, as set forth in claim I, wherein said firstmeans for pivotally, and releasably, connecting said first end of saidfirst vertical leg to said first end of said horizontal cross memberincludes:

a. a first circular disk fixedly attached to the horizontal cross memberat the first end thereof, and with said first circular disk having ageometric center with an opening thereat and therethrough, and with saidfirst circular disk also having a suitably positioned arcuate slottherethrough, and with said first circular disk further having a frontsurface and a rear surface;

b. a third circular disk fixedly attached to said first vertical leg atthe first end thereof, and with said third circular disk of the samesize as said first circular disk, and with said thrid circular diskhaving a geometric center with an opening thereat and therethrough ofthe same size as the center opening of said first disk, and with saidthird circular disk also having a front and a rear surface with a pinfixedly attached on and protruding from said rear surface of said thirdcircular disk, with said pin projecting rearwardly from said rearsurface of said third circular disk, and with said rear surface of saidthird circular disk abutting with and in registration with said frontsurface of said first circular disk, and with said pin of said thirdcircular disk fitting into and movable within said arcuate slot of saidfirst circular disk;

c. a first machine screw having a head, a body portion, and an end, withthe body portion and end thereof passing into and through said centeropening of said third circular disk and said center opening of saidfirst circular disk;

d. a first nut removably fitted on the end and body portion of saidfirst machine screw;

e. and, a first washer interposed between said first nut and the rearsurface of said first circular disk, and on said body portion of saidfirst machine screw.

3. A cover support assembly, as set forth in claim 2, wherein said firstcircular disk of said first means for pivotally, and releasablyconnecting said first end of said first vertical leg to said first endof said horizontal cross member is also fixedly attached to the rearsurface of said horizontal cross member.

4. A cover support assembly, as set forth in claim 2, wherein said firstcircular disk of said first means for pivotally, and releasably,connecting said first end of said first vertical leg to said first endof said horizontal cross member is also fixedly attached to the frontsurface of said horizontal cross member.

5.'A cover support assembly, as set forth in claim 1, wherein saidsecond means for pivotally, and releasably, connecting said first end ofsaid second vertical leg to said second end of said horizontal crossmember includes:

a. a second circular disk fixedly attached to the horizontal crossmember at the second end thereof, and with said second circular diskhaving a geometric center and an opening thereat and therethrough, andwith said second circular disk also having a suitably positioned arcuateslot therethrough, and with said second circular disk further having afront surface and a rear surface;

b. a fourth circular disk fixedly attached to said second vertical legat the first end thereof, with said fourth circular disk of the samesize as said second circular disk, and with said fourth circular diskhaving a geometric center with an opening thereat and therethrough ofthe same size as the center opening of said second circular disk, andwith said fourth circular disk also having a front and a rear surfacewith a pin fixedly attached on and protruding from said front surface ofsaid fourth circular disk, with said pin projecting forwardly from saidfront surface of said fourth circular disk, and with said front surfaceof said fourth circular disk abutting with and in registration with saidrear surface of said second circular disk, and with said pin of saidfourth circular disk fitting into and movable within said arcuate slotof said second circular disk;

c. a second machine screw having a head, a body portion, and an end,with the body portion and end thereof passing into and through saidcenter opening of said second circular disk and said center opening ofsaid fourth circular disk;

d. a second nut removably fitted on the end and body portion of saidsecond machine screw;

e. and, a second washer interposed between said second nut and the rearsurfaceof said fourth circular disk, and on said body portion of saidsecond screw.

6. A cover support assembly, as set forth in claim 5, wherein saidsecond circular disk of said second means for pivotally, and releasably,connecting said first end of said second vertical leg to said second endof said horizontal cross member is also fixedly attached to the frontsurface of said horizontal cross member.

7. A cover support assembly, as set forth in claim 5, wherein saidsecond circular disk of said second means for pivotally, and releasably,connecting said first end of said second vertical leg to said second endof said horizontal cross member is also fixedly attached to the rearsurface of said horizontal cross member.

8. A cover support assembly, as set forth in claim 1, wherein said thirdmeans for releasably engaging said second end of said first vertical legto the first carrying side pole of the medical stretcher is a firstclasp which is so dimensioned and which is so configurated that itsnugly fits on and engages the first carrying side pole of the medicalstretcher and maintains said first vertical leg in an upright-likeposition.

9. A cover support assembly, as set forth in claim 1, wherein saidfourth means for releasably engaging said second end of said secondvertical leg to the second carrying side pole of the medical stretcheris a second clasp which is so dimensioned and which is so configuratedthat it snugly fits on and engages the second carrying side pole of themedical stretcher and maintains said second vertical leg in anupright-like position.

10. A cover support assembly system for use with, and for releasableengagement with, a medical stretcher, wherein the stretcher includes afirst carrying side pole and a second carrying side pole which are inparallel spaced relationship and which are essentially cylindrical inshape, and wherein said cover support assembly system is for suspendingand supporting a cover over the medical stretcher, comprising:

a. a plurality of identical cover support assemblies,

wherein each cover support assembly comprises: 1. a horizontal crossmember having a first and a second end, and with said horizontal crossmember having a front and a rear surface; 2. a first vertical leg havinga first and a second end;

3. a first means for pivotally, and releasably, connecting said firstend of said first vertical leg to said first end of said horizontalcross member;

4. a second vertical leg having a first and a second end;

5. a second means for pivotally, and releasably, connecting said firstend of said second vertical leg to said second end of said horizontalcross member;

6. a third means for releasably engaging said second end of said firstvertical leg to the first carrying side pole of the medical stretcher;

7. and, a fourth means for releasably engaging said second end of saidsecond vertical leg to the second carrying side pole of the medicalstretcher;

b. and, means for releasably connecting a plurality of said identicalcover support assemblies, in parallel spaced relationship;

whereby an integrated unit of the desired length is formed,substantially in the shape of an inverted and elongated U, in atransverse position over the medical stretcher;

and, whereby the cover is thereby suspended and supported over themedical stretcher.

11. A cover support assembly system, as set forth in claim 10, whereinsaid means for releasably connecting a plurality of said identical coversupport assemblies, in parallel spaced relationship, includes aplurality of spacers.

12. A cover support assembly system, as set forth in claim 11, whereineach spacer of said plurality of spacers of said means for releasablyconnecting a plurality of said identical cover support assemblies, inparallel spaced relationship, is in the form of a connecting rod.

Dated th' 26, 1974 Patent No.

Maureen. A. Hunt 6:

Inventoms) hat error appears? in i:

It is certified t he above-identified patent and that said LettersPatentare hereby eor'rected'as shew'n below:

On the cover sheet insert {73] Assigne'ei. the

United States of America as represented by the Secretary of ig ned andsealed this 10th day of September-1974.

C. MARSHALL D Commissioner of Patents J 6 c N c T O 1 S f F S B f T1. rG O i g A. u n v u 1 V t fin V 3 ,t O 6 C t t A z i i UsCCMM-OC 6037Cw-P69 u.s. GOVERNMENT PRZM'ING OFFICE I969 o-aaa-au,

1 51AM, PC1-1050 0-59]

1. A cover support assembly adapted for use with, and for releasable engagement with, a medical stretcher, wherein the stretcher includes a first carrying side pole and a second carrying side pole which are in parallel spaced relationship and which are essentailly cylindrical in shape, and wherein said cover support assembly is for suspending and supporting a cover over the medical stretcher, comprising: a. a horizontal cross member having a first and a second end, and with said horizontal cross member having a front and a rear surface; b. a first vertical leg having a first and a second end; c. a first means for pivotally, and releasably, connecting said first end of said first vertical leg to said first end of said horizontal cross member; d. a second vertical leg having a first and a second end; e. a second means for pivotally, and releasably, connecting said first end of said second vertical leg to said second end of said horizontal cross member; f. a third means for releasably engaging said second end of said first vertical leg to the first carrying side pole of the medical stretcher; g. and, a fourth means for releasably engaging said second end of said second vertical leg to the second carrying side pole of the medical stretcher; whereby said cover support assembly forms, substantially, an inverted ''''U'''' in a transverse position over the medical stretcher; and, whereby the cover is thereby suspended and supported over the medical stretcher.
 2. a first vertical leg having a first and a second end;
 2. A cover support assembly, as set forth in claim 1, wherein said first means for pivotally, and releasably, connecting said first end of said first vertical leg to said first end of said horizontal cross member includes: a. a first circular disk fixedly attached to the horizontal cross member at the first end thereof, and with said first circular disk having a geometric center with an opening thereat and therethrough, and with said first circular disk also having a suitably positioned arcuate slot therethrough, and with said first circular disk further having a front surface and a rear surface; b. a third circular disk fixedly attached to said first vertical leg at the first end thereof, and with said third circular disk of the same size as said first circular disk, and with said thrid circular disk having a geometric center with an opening thereat and therethrough of the same size as the center opening of said first disk, and with said third circular disk also having a front and a rear surface with a pin fixedly attached on and protruding from said rear surface of said third circular disk, with said pin projecting rearwardly from said rear surface of said third circular disk, and with said rear surface of said third circular disk abutting with and in registration with said front surface of said first circular disk, and with said pin of said third circular disk fitting into and movable within said arcuate slot of said first circular disk; c. a first machine screw having a head, a body portion, and an end, with the body portion and end thereof passing into and through said center opening of said third circular disk and said center opening of said first circular disk; d. a first nut removably fitted on the end and body portion of said first machine Screw; e. and, a first washer interposed between said first nut and the rear surface of said first circular disk, and on said body portion of said first machine screw.
 3. A cover support assembly, as set forth in claim 2, wherein said first circular disk of said first means for pivotally, and releasably connecting said first end of said first vertical leg to said first end of said horizontal cross member is also fixedly attached to the rear surface of said horizontal cross member.
 3. a first means for pivotally, and releasably, connecting said first end of said first vertical leg to said first end of said horizontal cross member;
 4. a second vertical leg having a first and a second end;
 4. A cover support assembly, as set forth in claim 2, wherein said first circular disk of said first means for pivotally, and releasably, connecting said first end of said first vertical leg to said first end of said horizontal cross member is also fixedly attached to the front surface of said horizontal cross member.
 5. a second means for pivotally, and releasably, connecting said first end of said second vertical leg to said second end of said horizontal cross member;
 5. A cover support assembly, as set forth in claim 1, wherein said second means for pivotally, and releasably, connecting said first end of said second vertical leg to said second end of said horizontal cross member includes: a. a second circular disk fixedly attached to the horizontal cross member at the second end thereof, and with said second circular disk having a geometric center and an opening thereat and therethrough, and with said second circular disk also having a suitably positioned arcuate slot therethrough, and with said second circular disk further having a front surface and a rear surface; b. a fourth circular disk fixedly attached to said second vertical leg at the first end thereof, with said fourth circular disk of the same size as said second circular disk, and with said fourth circular disk having a geometric center with an opening thereat and therethrough of the same size as the center opening of said second circular disk, and with said fourth circular disk also having a front and a rear surface with a pin fixedly attached on and protruding from said front surface of said fourth circular disk, with said pin projecting forwardly from said front surface of said fourth circular disk, and with said front surface of said fourth circular disk abutting with and in registration with said rear surface of said second circular disk, and with said pin of said fourth circular disk fitting into and movable within said arcuate slot of said second circular disk; c. a second machine screw having a head, a body portion, and an end, with the body portion and end thereof passing into and through said center opening of said second circular disk and said center opening of said fourth circular disk; d. a second nut removably fitted on the end and body portion of said second machine screw; e. and, a second washer interposed between said second nut and the rear surface of said fourth circular disk, and on said body portion of said second screw.
 6. a third means for releasably engaging said second end of said first vertical leg to the first carrying side pole of the medical stretcher;
 6. A cover support assembly, as set forth in claim 5, wherein said second circular disk of said second means for pivotally, and releasably, connecting said first end of said second vertical leg to said second end of said horizontal cross member is also fixedly attached to the front surface of said horizontal cross member.
 7. A cover support assembly, as set forth in claim 5, wherein said second circular disk of said second means for pivotally, and releasably, connecting said first end of said second vertical leg to said second end of said horizontal cross member is also fixedly attached to the rear surface of said horizontal cross member.
 7. and, a fourth means for releasably engaging said second end of said second vertical leg to the second carrying side pole of the medical stretcher; b. and, means for releasably connecting a plurality of said identical cover support assemblies, in parallel spaced relationship; whereby an integrated unit of the desired length is formed, substantially in the shape of an inverted and elongated ''''U,'''' in a transverse position over the medical stretcher; and, whereby the cover is thereby suspended and supported over the medical stretcher.
 8. A cover support assembly, as set forth in claim 1, wherein said third means for releasably engaging said second end of said first vertical leg to the first carrying side pole of the medical stretcher is a first clasp which is so dimensioned and which is so configurated that it snugly fits on and engages the first carrying side pole of the medical stretcher and maintains said first vertical leg in an upright-like position.
 9. A cover support assembly, as set forth in claim 1, wherein said fourth means for releasably engaging said second end of said second vertical leg tO the second carrying side pole of the medical stretcher is a second clasp which is so dimensioned and which is so configurated that it snugly fits on and engages the second carrying side pole of the medical stretcher and maintains said second vertical leg in an upright-like position.
 10. A cover support assembly system for use with, and for releasable engagement with, a medical stretcher, wherein the stretcher includes a first carrying side pole and a second carrying side pole which are in parallel spaced relationship and which are essentially cylindrical in shape, and wherein said cover support assembly system is for suspending and supporting a cover over the medical stretcher, comprising: a. a plurality of identical cover support assemblies, wherein each cover support assembly comprises:
 11. A cover support assembly system, as set forth in claim 10, wherein said means for releasably connecting a plurality of said identical cover support assemblies, in parallel spaced relationship, includes a plurality of spacers.
 12. A cover support assembly system, as set forth in claim 11, wherein each spacer of said plurality of spacers of said means for releasably connecting a plurality of said identical cover support assemblies, in parallel spaced relationship, is in the form of a connecting rod. 